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DOC:FSSAI-BASICGAP (FD)

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES – BASIC REQUIREMENTS

0. FOREWORD

0.1 Agriculture is the mainstay of Indian economy. India’s basic strength lies in agriculture. But its vast potential has not been fully exploited. While World Trade Organization (WTO) poses some challenges, it also offers tremendous worldwide market opportunities for Indian agriculture produce. This market potential can be realized by reforming agriculture and making its produce internationally competitive in quality and food safety. 0.2 To enable farm produce to be internationally competitive innovative farming practices incorporating the concept of globally accepted Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) within the framework of commercial agricultural production for long term improvement and sustainability is essential. GAP in addition to improving the yield and quality of the products, also has environmental and social dimensions. Implementation of GAP would promote optimum utilization of resources such as pesticides, fertilizers, and water and eco-friendly agriculture. Its social dimension would be to protect the agricultural workers’ health from improper use of chemicals and pesticides. It is a particularly opportune time to promote GAP when second generation of reforms in agriculture which would have a major impact on Indian agriculture, are planned by the Indian Government. 0.3 There are different systems and standards available for control measures in value addition through processing of food meant for human consumption. Although grade standards on size, shape, colour and local preferences are available for most of the fruits and vegetables marketed and consumed in India, their quality in terms of maturity standards, residues of pesticides and other contaminants, microbial loads, etc. have not been adequately addressed. The Indian Good Agricultural Practices (INDGAP) takes into account not only the quality and quantity of the produce obtained from a unit area but also the care is taken in integrating pre-harvest practices like soil & water management, nutrient management and pest management, harvesting, post harvest handling and other logistics. It is therefore necessary to have a comprehensive view while defining control and compliance systems for different farm produce covering horticulture, floriculture, food grains, etc. The areas where appropriate control measures need to be strengthened are farms producing raw material such as food grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, floriculture, etc. to ensure sustained supply of produce of the desirable quality.

0.4 With the opening up of the world market, there is a flow of trade in these agricultural products. It is, therefore, necessary to define certain minimum standards with a well-defined certification and accreditation mechanism for the implementation of INDGAP to facilitate national and international trade in farm produce. Implementation of INDGAP is voluntary and non-discriminatory to the growers.

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0.5 For the purposes of preparing this document, Global GAP standards and related ISO standards and guides have been taken into consideration.

1. SCOPE

This standard covers Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)- basic requirements for all farming practices in sustainable manner for maintaining quality and food safety of agricultural produce.

2. DEFINITIONS

For common understanding by the stakeholder in uniform manner, applicable terms have been defined and are given in Annex A

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 The requirement for good agricultural practices on different aspects from site selection to packaging storage and dispatch of produce for processing are

given in Table 01.

4. APPRAISALS AND ASSESMENT

4.1The requirements stated in Table 01 shall be evaluated to establish that growers comply with those requirements. An appraisal and assessment system

has been developed. On evaluation of deficiencies that may appear in evaluation need to be resolved to establish compliance to the requirements. These

deficiencies have been classified as:

Critical:

When evidence shows that the grower has not complied with requirements in its documentation and implementation and which raises doubts on the

operation and practice of GAP calling for an early correction and corrective actions within the time frame.

Major:

When evidence suggests major break down in the implementation in certain elements of the criteria calling for the early corrective actions within a time

frame

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Minor:

When evidence shows an isolated non-compliance to the GAP criteria and has negligible impact on the operation of the system and its results.

Note: Multiple Minor NCs with related impact on the operation of the system in one particular area may result in major NC

4.2 To develop a self assessment method against the criteria, a checklist has been developed and is given in Table 02. This will bring uniformity in

evaluation of the system. This also indicates when a violation of a particular criteria leads to critical, major or minor nonconformities.

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TABLE 01 REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

Clauses Item Level of

compliance Control criteria Compliance criteria

1 SITE SELECTION (One of the key features of sustainable farming is the continuous integration of site-specific knowledge and practical experiences into future management planning and practices.)

1.1 Risk assessment

for new site

Major Is site free from toxic elements such as industrial

wastes and effluents?

The information on soil condition and site on

water logging, industrial waste and effluents

1.2 Water availability Major Is the site having access to reliable source of

irrigation water (where applicable/relevant)?

There should be sufficient source of irrigation

water.

1.3 Risk Management

Plan

Major Has a management plan been developed setting out

strategies to minimize all identified risks? Are the

results of this analysis recorded and used to justify

that the site in question is suitable?

A management plan for mitigation of risk should

be implemented to meet the objectives

1.4 Meteorological

data collection

Minor Has the meteorological data collated for preceding

three years taken into account while judging the

suitability of the site.

Three years meteorological data should be

available with the farm management

2 SOIL CONDITIONS/MANAGEMENT (Soil is the basis of all agricultural production, and the conservation and improvement of this valuable resource is essential. Good soil husbandry ensures long-term fertility of soil, aids yield and profitability.)

2.1 Mapping of Soil Major Has the soil map prepared for the farm The type of soil is identified for each site, based

on a soil profile or soil analysis.

2.2 Soil Health Major Is the soil optimal to the selected crop with reference

to its water holding capacity and fertility?

Data on physico-chemical properties of soil-

texture and structure be available

2.3 Soil test and

nutrition profile

Major If soils with low fertility levels use soil amendments

as per the specific site and requirement of species,

are the latest soil test report on physico-chemical

parameters and nutrient profile to decide the nature

and quantity of soil amendments available?

The soil analysis report from an independent lab

should be available. Technical expertise for the

quantity, quality and type of soil amendments to

be used

2.4 Water suitability Major Has the quality of irrigation water been adequately

understood and classified in the context of both soil

type and the target crop in terms of total salt

concentration, Sodium absorption ratio, Bicarbonate

and Boron concentration etc.

The information on quality including salt

concentration of water for each target crop

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2.5 Water quality Major Irrigation water is required to conform to standards

of heavy metals andresidual pesticides.?

Analytical report on irrigation water should be

available especially of heavy metals and pesticide

residues

2.6 Shade availability Major When shade-loving crop is planned for, availability

of shade across the field should be ascertained.

Study of cropping pattern and inter-cultivation

practices should be introduced

3 SEEDS AND PROPAGATION MATERIAL (The choice of propagation material plays an important role in the production process and by using the correct varieties can help reduce the number of fertilizer and plant protection product applications. )

3.1 Planting material

identification

Critical Do seed/planting material accompanied with the

following information:-

a) Name, nomenclature and trade name)

b) Botanical name

c) Variety?

Details of seed/ propagation material be available

including varietal/botanical description

3.2 Sowing Record

keeping

Major Does the producer keep records on sowing/planting

methods, seed/planting rate, sowing/planting date?

Records of sowing/ planting method, rate and date

must be kept and be available.

3.3 Seed

3.3.1 Seed Purity Critical The seeds chosen for cultivation purposes must meet

the botanical and varietal purity.

A record/certificate of the seed quality is kept and

available and states variety purity, variety name,

batch number and seed vendor.

3.3.2 Seed quality Critical Are the seeds chosen for cultivation purposes

physically free from pests, diseases, weeds, and

foreign and inert matter?

Records should show that seeds chosen were free

from pest and diseases

3.3.3 Seed producing

record

Major Does the producer keep records on sowing/ planting

methods, seed/planting rate, sowing /planting date?

Records of sowing/ planting method, rate and date

must be kept and be available.

3.3.4 Seed treatment

protocol

Major Are prescribed seed treatment protocols for the target

species, completed well in advance to match the

planting season.

Seed treatment records be available including type

of plant protection chemical used and diseases

identified, where applicable

3.3.5 Seedling

transplanting plan

Major When the process for seedling production under

nursery conditions, is it initiated as per the

recommended agronomic practices for the target

species and carried out reasonably well before the

actual schedule of field transplantation and only

Information of type of seed used and agronomic

practices applied should be available

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healthy seedlings transplanted.

3.4 Stem cutting

3.4.1 Authentic cutting

material

Critical Are sources of cuttings authenticated when root

induction in stem cuttings under nursery conditions

for transplantation into the field for both botanical

identity and quality of vegetative propagules?

When the grower takes the responsibility of root

induction in stem cuttings under nursery

conditions for eventual transplantation into the

field, records on the source of cuttings

authentication for both botanical identity and

quality of vegetative propagules be available.

3.4.2 Healthy rooted

material

Major Are only healthy stem cutting giving desired rooting

used?

The stem cuttings collected for root induction

should be of uniform dimensions in terms of

length and diameter and should be in tune with the

requirements laid down for the target species

4 CROP MANAGEMENT FOR CULTIVATION

4.1 Field preparation

4.1.1 Soil tilth Major Is soil brought to the desired tilth to facilitate

favourable environment for growing seed and

seedling?

Soil preparation for planting requires proper tilth

condition for favourable growth of plants

4.1.2 Soil preparation Major Do field operation performed provide better

environment, soil structure and texture, and keep it

free from weeds for initial 20-30 days?

Field operations performed should have recorded

information for weed control

4.2

Sowing and transplanting

4.2.1 Seed rate Minor Are recommended rate of seedlings per unit of land

area adhered to?

A chart of rate seedling per unit of land should be

prepared and available the farm

4.2.2 Seed sowing depth Major Is placement of seeds taking place at the appropriate

depth in the moist zone of the soil?

A plan for depth of seed placement should be

prepared for uniform use

4.2.3 Spacing Minor Are seedlings where used transplanted following the

spacing norms in terms of row-to-row and plant-to-plant distance governed by the needs of target crop as

Authorized data on row to row and plant to plant

distance of saplings /seeds must be available. Agro-techniques available may be used

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envisaged in the agronomic protocol for target

species?

4.2.4 Seedling

transplanting stage

Major Are the seedling at optimum stage of transplanting

uprooted and transplanted immediately thereafter?

An authentic data and information should be

available on stage up rooting of seedlings for

different crops

4.2.5 Plant population Minor Replenishment of plant populations to compensate

mortality losses should be carried out within a reasonable timeframe and in consideration of the

gestation period of the target crop.

Guidelines as when to compensate for population

mortality

4.2.6 Seed quality

document

Minor Is there a document that guarantees seed quality

(free from injurious pests, diseases, virus, etc.)?

A record/certificate of the seed quality is kept

and available and states variety purity, variety

name, batch number and seed vendor.

4.3 Manures and Fertilizers

4.3.1 Source of

Manures/

fertilizers

Major Source of information/material about manures and

fertilizers used

Parameters used to accept or qualify the manure in case source is from outside.

Where the fertilizer records show that the

technically responsible person making the choice

of the fertilizer (organic or inorganic) is an

external adviser, training and technical competence must be demonstrated.

4.3.2 Organic manure

preference

Minor Is use of organic manure preferred for growing plants

supplemented by mineral nutrition through inorganic

source in consideration of the nutritional needs of the target crop vis-à-vis the soil characteristics?

Mineral supplements must be based on complete

soil analysis in a competent laboratory for the

target crops

4.3.3 Manure use Minor Is use of compost, vermi-compost, green leafy

manure and biofertilizers considered desirable?

These organic modes of supplementation of

organic manure/fertilizer should be implemented

4.3.4 Nutritional care Major Are specialized nutritional care for distinct purposes

such as root production or enhancement of leafy bio-

mass etc opted for in the light of recommended

agronomic practices for target species?

These practices must be based on scientific

information and guided by specialists.

4.4 Irrigation

4.4.1 Water requirement Major How is the total water requirement of the crop There should be a water management plan to

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Estimation estimated in the light of available agronomic

protocol? How the irrigation cycles is planned for

and implemented to ensure optimal plant growth.

optimize water usage and reduce wastage.

Records should be maintained for

irrigation/fertigation and water usage.

4.4.2 Water

optimization

Major Is there a water management plan to optimise water

usage and reduce waste in terms of method of

irrigation?

The idea is to avoid wasting water. The irrigation

system used should be the most efficient available

for the crop and accepted. A documented plan is

available which outlines the steps and actions to

be taken to implement the management plan.

4.4.3 Water harvesting

and conservation

Minor How water harvesting and water conservation

methods are followed, wherever possible

Water conservation measures should be followed

4.4.4 Water testing Major Is the quality of water considered in the light of

prevailing soil conditions and soil and water analysis

taken into account for this purpose.

Test report of water and soil from an accredited

lab should be available

4.4.5 Water drainage Major How soils having the problem of drainage are dealt

with in specific manner so as to provide outlet for

excess water?

Written soil water management practice should be

available. The impounding of water through

heavy rains should not be allowed.

4.5 Weeding and intercultural operations

4.5.1 Control of Initial

flush of weeds

Major How initial flush of weeds are controlled effectively

to ensure a weed free environment to young plants?.

A documented plan should be available for weed

control. The weeding and hoeing cycles should be

so arranged as to keep the field free from weeds

4.5.2 Inter culture

operations

optimization

Major Is the prescribed schedule of all inter-cultural

operations such as weeding, hoeing, topping, nipping

of buds, pruning, shading and earthing up etc.

adhered to in a manner to optimize overall

productivity.

Depending on the nature of crop, inter-cultivation

practices should be used to reduce the incidence

of weeds

4.5.3 Rare use of

herbicides

Major Are use of herbicides avoided as far as possible? In

case of their inevitable usage, are available evidence

of safety to the target crop considered adequately?

Systemic weedicides should not be used.

Biological control measures preferred

4.6 Crop protection

4.6.1 Pest management

Preventive and

control measures

Major Is there a comprehensive preventive and control

measures enumerated in the agronomic protocol used

for pest management to minimize loss of the final

A comprehensive pest control procedure should

be in place

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crop and its quality.

4.6.2 Bio control agents Major Is crop protection plans limited to the use of bio-control agents and bio-pesticides?

Biological route is preferred and plans for this should be available

4.6.3 Pest Management

protocols

Critical Integrated Pest Management protocols shall be in

place in absence of the protocols at 4.6.1 and 4.6.2.

IPM practices are encouraged.

4.6.4 Smallest Effective

dosage

Major How under compulsive circumstances care is taken

to use smallest effective dosage of pesticides on the

basis of crop protection protocols prescribed for the

target species

Specialist advice should be available for use of

pesticides their dosages, time of application and

mode of application

4.6.5 Residue analysis Critical When chemical pesticides are used for crop protection, is residue analysis of final product carried

out through appropriate testing agencies following

standard procedures?

A written procedure for pesticide use be available defining the dose, time and mode of application to

reduce pesticide residue in plant body

5 HARVEST AND POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT

5.1 Harvesting

5.1.1 maturity

determination

Major How the harvesting season is determined and

followed on the basis of qualitative parameters set for

the end product of the constituents rather than the total vegetative yield?

The grower must demonstrate the basis for

determining the maturity of crop for harvesting

5.1.2 Harvesting devises

and careful

harvesting

Major How are cutting devices employed for harvesting

selected to minimize the contamination by soil

particles? How while harvesting, care is taken to

avoid incidental and concurrent harvest of weeds?

Clear instruction should be available for farm

worker to use proper cutting devices and avoid

harvest of rogue plants

5.1.3 Harvesting

containers

Major

How are the containers used for harvested materials

kept clean? How care is taken to ensure freedom

from the risks of cross contamination by other

species, weeds and such other extraneous matter?

A documented procedure should exist for

cleaning containers and avoiding mixed up and

contamination of produce

5.2 Primary processing

5.2.1 washing and

cleaning methods

Major Are the washing and cleaning methods for freshly

harvested materials laid down in consideration of the

target plant material?

The procedure for this purpose should be present

to ensure removal of soil particles adhering to the

materials. Particularly for frits and vegetables

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5.2.2 Produce Drying

and handling

Major Is the freshly harvested produce not be stored as such

and the drying process initiated in a continuum? How

is the length of storage minimized and handled in a

manner to prevent degradation or rotting?

Proper drying techniques and technology be

adopted for drying and storage of harvested crop

produce

5.2.3 Processing Area

conditions

Major How processing area or sites are kept clean, well

ventilated, and have the facilities for protection

against sunlight, dust, rain, rodents, insects and

livestock?.

Processing area must be clean preferable pucca

platform with proper shade

5.2.4 Drying and

Temperature

requirements

Critical Are the drying procedure and the temperature

employed for this purpose in conformity with the

quality needs of the farm produce?

It should be ensured that agronomic package

prescribing specific procedures for this phase is

complied with. In high humidity conditions, it

may be necessary to dry the produce appropriately

5.2.5 Sorting procedure Major Whether sorting procedure is carried out after

completion of drying phase and before the material is

packed?

Proper instruction for sorting should be in place

and it should be done after drying and before

packing

5.3 Packaging, storage and transportation

5.3.1 Packaging

Material

Major Is the selection of packaging material based on the

quality requirements and possible length of storage

before consumption/processing and kept clean, dry

and undamaged?

Norms for packaging material should be fixed for

different types of crop produce

5.3.2 Container filling Major While packaging, are mechanical damages and undue

compacting of the dried plant material that may result

in undesirable quality changes avoided? Is care

taken to avoid overfilling of the containers?

Proper norms be in place to define packaging

practices to avoid damage or deterioration of the

packed material

5.3.3 Storage conditions Major Is the storage area kept dry and protected from

insects and rodents and such other factors that may

be detrimental to the quality of the product?.

Storage area must be kept clean and free from

insect pests

5.3.4 Separate storage Major Are different varieties stored separately to avoid

varietal mixing?

Practices for separating varieties be clear to

handlers

5.3.5 Multiple

commodities

storage

Minor When multiple commodities/varieties are handled in

the same storage area, is care exercised to prevent

product mix up and cross contamination.

Proper segregation be exercised to keep different

products separate to avoid mix up

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6.1 Identification

6.1.1 Product Labeling Major Are produce legibly labeled inscribing on every pack

with the product name, month and year of harvest

and the name of farmer/farming agency? If the material was tested before, an appropriate label may

be used indicating quality approval

Each produce must be legibly marked with details

following trade practices/legal requirements

6.2 Traceability

6.2.1 Traceability

Record

Critical Is registered product traceable back to and trackable

from the registered farm (and other relevant

registered areas) where it has been grown?

There is a documented identification and

traceability system that allows registered product

to be traced back to the registered farm and

tracked forward to the immediate customer.

Harvest information must link a batch to the

production records or the farms of specific producers.

7 PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT

7.1 Trained Personnel Major Key resource persons engaged at the site (such as

farm owner/ supervisor) must be conversant with all

aspects related to the target crop such as, quality

requirements of the end product, crop husbandry etc.

Personnel should be trained and training records

must be available

7.2 safety and hygiene

awareness

Major The personnel should have basic exposure to subject

matters like safety and hygiene

Special training on safety should be imparted to

personnel

7.3

Calibrations

Major The machinery used in fertilizer and pesticide

application must be calibrated at prescribed

schedules and calibration certificates / records should

be maintained.

Calibration schedule should be available and

calibration record in line with the schedule from

the weights and measures or from an accredited

calibration agency

7.4 Equipments

cleanliness and

placement

Major Equipments must be clean and mounted where

applicable, in an easily accessible manner.

Scheduled servicing procedures must be adhered to

keep them in working order

Equipment and machinery used should have

maintenance schedule

7.5 Specific parts

cleaning

Major Additional care should be taken for cleaning those

machine parts that get into direct contact with the

harvested produce

Special care should be taken for equipment that

comes directly in contact with plant produce

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7.6 Safe Material

equipments

Critical The material used for the equipment, particularly that

coming into direct contact, should be safe.

Equipments that pose a risk of hazardous metallic

contamination of the harvested crop should be

avoided

Quality of material for equipment should of such

that it does not contaminate plant material in

contact with it

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WORKERS HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE (People are key to the safe and efficient operation of any farm. Farm staff and contractors as well as producers themselves stand for the quality of the produce and for environmental protection)

8.1 Risk Assessments

8.1.1 Risk assessment of

working

conditions

Major Does the farm have a written risk assessment for safe

and healthy working conditions?

The written risk assessment can be a generic one

but it must be appropriate for conditions on the

farm. The risk assessment must be reviewed and

updated when changes in the organization.

8.1.2 safety and hygiene

policy

Major Does the farm have a written health, safety and

hygiene policy and procedures?

The health, safety and hygiene policy must at least

include the points identified in the risk

assessment. This could include accident and

emergency procedures, hygiene procedures, dealing with any identified risks in the working

situation, etc.The policy must be reviewed and

updated when the risk assessment changes.

8.2 Training

8.2.1 Competence

Training

Major Do all workers handling and/or administering plant

chemicals, disinfectants, plant protection products,

biocides or other hazardous substances and all

workers operating dangerous or complex equipment

have certificates of competence, and/or details of

other such qualifications?

Records must identify workers who carry out such

tasks, and show certificates of training or proof of

competence.

8.2.2 Health and safety

training

Major Have all workers received adequate health and safety

training and are they instructed according to the risk

assessment?

Workers can demonstrate competency in

responsibilities and tasks through visual

observation. If at time of inspection there are no

activities, there must be evidence of instructions.

8.2.3 First aid training Major Is there always an appropriate number of persons (at There is always at least one person trained in First

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and deployment of

trained person

least one person) trained in first aid present on each

farm whenever on-farm activities are being carried

out?

Aid present on the farm whenever on-farm

activities are being carried out.

8.3 Hazards and First Aid

8.3.1 Emergency

procedures, display and

communication

Major Do accident and emergency procedures exist; are

they visually displayed and communicated to all persons associated with the farm activities?

Permanent accident procedures must be clearly

displayed in accessible and visible location(s). These instructions are available in the

predominant language(s) of the workforce and/or

pictograms. The procedures must identify, where

appropriate the following:

- farm's map reference or farm address

- contact person(s)

- location of the nearest means of communication (telephone, radio)

- an up-to-date list of relevant phone numbers

(police, ambulance, hospital, fire-brigade, access

to emergency health care on site or by means of

transport, electricity and water supplier);

- how and where to contact the local medical

services, Hospital and other emergency services.

- location of fire extinguisher;

- emergency exits;

- emergency cut-offs for electricity, gas and

watersupplies.

- how to report accidents or dangerous incidents.

8.3.2 Warning Signs Minor Are potential hazards clearly identified by warning

signs and placed where appropriate?

Permanent and legible signs must indicate

potential hazards, e.g.waste pits, fuel tanks,

workshops, access doors of the plant protection

product / fertiliser / any other chemical storage

facilities as well as the treated crop etc. Warning

signs must be present.

8.4 Protective Clothing/Equipment

Availability of Major Are workers (including subcontractors) equipped Complete sets of protective clothing, (e.g. rubber

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protective clothing with suitable protective clothing in accordance with

legal requirements and/or label instructions or as

authorized by a competent authority?

boots, waterproof clothing, protective overalls,

rubber gloves, face masks, etc.) which enable

label instructions and/or legal requirements and/or

requirements as authorized by a competent

authority to be complied with are available, used

and in a good state of repair.

9 RECORD KEEPING AND INTERNAL SELF-ASSESSMENT/ INTERNAL INSPECTION (Important details of farming practices should be recorded and records retained.)

9.1 Duration of record

keeping

Major Are all records requested during the external

inspection accessible and kept for a minimum period

of time of two years, unless a longer requirement is

stated in specific control points?

Producers keep up to date records for a minimum

of two years from the date of first inspection,

unless legally required to do so for a longer

period.

9.2 Internal self

assessment

Major Does the producer take responsibility to undertake a

minimum of one internal self-assessment per year

against the requirements of this standard?

There is documentary evidence that internal self-

assessment under responsibility of the producer

has been carried out and are recorded annually

9.3 Corrective actions Major Are effective corrective actions taken as a result of

non-conformances detected during the internal self-assessment ?

Effective corrective actions are documented and

have been implemented.

10 WASTE AND POLLUTION MANAGEMENT, RECYCLING AND RE-USE Waste minimisation should include: review of current practices, avoidance of waste, reduction of waste, re-use of waste, and recycling of

waste.

10.1 Identification of

Waste and

Pollutants

Major Have all possible waste products and sources of

pollution been identified in all areas?

All possible waste products (such as paper,

cardboard, plastic, oil, etc)and sources of

pollution (e.g. fertiliser excess, exhaust smoke,

oil, fuel, noise, effluent, chemicals, feed waste,

etc) produced by the farm processes have been

listed

10.2 Waste and

Pollution Action

Minor Is there a farm waste management plan to avoid or

reduce wastage and pollution by waste recycling?

A comprehensive, documented plan that covers

wastage reduction, pollution and waste recycling

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Plan

Are organic wastes composted on the farm and

utilised as manure?

is available. Air, soil, water, noise and light

contamination must be considered.

10.3 Clean premises Major Are the farm and premises clear of litter and waste to

avoid establishing a breeding ground for pests and

diseases which could result in a food safety risk?

Visual assessment that there is no evidence of

breeding grounds in areas of waste/litter in the

immediate vicinity of the production or storage

buildings. Areas where produce is handled

indoors are cleaned at least once a day.

10.4 Designated place

for waste storage

Minor Do the premises have adequate provisions for waste

disposal?

The farm has designated areas to store litter and

waste. Different types of waste are identified and

stored separately.

11 ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION Farming and environment are inseparably linked. Managing wildlife and landscape is of great importance; enhancement of species as well as

structural

diversity of land and landscape features will benefit the abundance and diversity of flora and fauna

11.1 Impact of Farming on the Environment and Biodiversity

11.1.1 Wildlife

conservation plan

Minor Does each farmer have a management of wildlife and

conservation plan that acknowledges the impact of

farming activities on the environment?

There must be a written action plan which aims to

enhance habitats and increase biodiversity on the

farm.

11.1.2 Benefit to local

community

Minor Has the farmer considered how to enhance the

environment for the benefit of the local community

and flora and fauna?

There should be tangible actions and initiatives

that can be demonstrated by the farmer on the

farm site looking at habitat quality and habitat

elements.

11.1.3 Avoid damage

habitat

Minor Does the plan include action to avoid damage and

deterioration of habitats on the farm?

Within the conservation plan there is a clear list of

priorities and actions to rectify damaged or

deteriorated habitats on the farm.

11.1.4 Increase

biodiversity

Minor Does the plan include activities to enhance habitats

and increase biodiversity on the farm?

There is a clear list of priorities and actions to

enhance habitats for fauna and flora to increase biodiversity

on the farm

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12 COMPLAINTS

12.1 Availability of

complaint

procedure

Major Is there a complaint procedure available relating to

issues covered by the standard?

There must be available on request, a clearly

identifiable document for complaints handling.

12.2 Records of

complaints

Major Does the complaints procedure ensure that

complaints are adequately recorded, studied and followed up including a record of actions taken?

There are documents of the actions taken with

respect to such complaints regarding GAP standard deficiencies found in products or

services.

TABLE 02 CHECKLISTS FOR SELF-ASSESSMENT

S.no. Parameter/Control criteria Level of

compliance

Compliance Remarks

Yes No

1 SITE SELECTION

1.1 Is site free from toxic elements such as industrial wastes and effluents? Major

1.2 Is the site having access to reliable source of irrigation water (where

applicable/relevant)?

Major

1.3 Has a management plan been developed setting out strategies to

minimize all identified risks? Are the results of this analysis recorded

and used to justify that the site in question is suitable?

Major

1.4 Has the meteorological data collated for preceding three years taken

into account while judging the suitability of the site.

Minor

2 SOIL CONDITIONS/MANAGEMENT

2.1 Has the soil map prepared for the farm Major

2.2 Is the soil optimal to the selected crop with reference to its water

holding capacity and fertility?

Major

2.3 If soils with low fertility levels use soil amendments as per the specific

site and requirement of species, are the latest soil test report on

physico-chemical parameters and nutrient profile to decide the nature

Major

17

and quantity of soil amendments available?

2.4 Has the quality of irrigation water been adequately understood and classified in the context of both soil type and the target crop in terms

of total salt concentration, Sodium absorption ratio, Bicarbonate and

Boron concentration etc.

Major

2.5 Irrigation water is required to conform to standards of heavy metals

andresidual pesticides.?

Major

2.6 When shade-loving crop is planned for, availability of shade across the

field should be ascertained.

Major

3 SEEDS AND PROPAGATION MATERIAL

3.1 Do seed/planting material accompanied with the following

information:-

a) Name, nomenclature and trade name)

b) Botanical name

c) Variety?

Critical

3.2 Does the producer keep records on sowing/planting methods,

seed/planting rate, sowing/planting date?

Major

3.3 Seed

3.3.1 The seeds chosen for cultivation purposes must meet the botanical and

varietal purity.

Critical

3.3.2 Are the seeds chosen for cultivation purposes physically free from

pests, diseases, weeds, and foreign and inert matter?

Critical

3.3.3 Does the producer keep records on sowing/ planting methods,

seed/planting rate, sowing /planting date?

Major

3.3.4 Are prescribed seed treatment protocols for the target species,

completed well in advance to match the planting season.

Major

3.3.5 When the process for seedling production under nursery conditions, is

it initiated as per the recommended agronomic practices for the target

species and carried out reasonably well before the actual schedule of

field transplantation and only healthy seedlings transplanted.

Major

3.4 Stem cutting

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3.4.1 Are sources of cuttings authenticated when root induction in stem

cuttings under nursery conditions for transplantation into the field for

both botanical identity and quality of vegetative propagules?

Critical

3.4.2 Are only healthy stem cutting giving desired rooting used? Major

4 CROP MANAGEMENT FOR CULTIVATION

4.1 Field preparation

4.1.1 Is soil brought to the desired tilth to facilitate favourable environment

for growing seed and seedling?

Major

4.1.2 Do field operation performed provide better environment, soil

structure and texture, and keep it free from weeds for initial 20-30

days?

Major

4.2

Sowing and transplanting

4.2.1 Are recommended rate of seedlings per unit of land area adhered to? Minor

4.2.2 Is placement of seeds taking place at the appropriate depth in the moist

zone of the soil?

Major

4.2.3 Are seedlings where used transplanted following the spacing norms in

terms of row-to-row and plant-to-plant distance governed by the needs

of target crop as envisaged in the agronomic protocol for target species?

Minor

4.2.4 Are the seedling at optimum stage of transplanting uprooted and

transplanted immediately thereafter?

Major

4.2.5 Replenishment of plant populations to compensate mortality losses

should be carried out within a reasonable timeframe and in

consideration of the gestation period of the target crop.

Minor

4.2.6 Is there a document that guarantees seed quality (free from

injurious pests, diseases, virus, etc.)?

Minor

4.3 Manures and Fertilizers

4.3.1 Source of information/material about manures and fertilizers used Major

19

Parameters used to accept or qualify the manure in case source is from

outside.

4.3.2 Is use of organic manure preferred for growing plants supplemented by

mineral nutrition through inorganic source in consideration of the

nutritional needs of the target crop vis-à-vis the soil characteristics?

Minor

4.3.3 Is use of compost, vermi-compost, green leafy manure and

biofertilizers considered desirable?

Minor

4.3.4 Are specialized nutritional care for distinct purposes such as root

production or enhancement of leafy bio-mass etc opted for in the light

of recommended agronomic practices for target species?

Major

4.4 Irrigation

4.4.1 How is the total water requirement of the crop estimated in the light of

available agronomic protocol? How the irrigation cycles is planned

for and implemented to ensure optimal plant growth.

Major

4.4.2 Is there a water management plan to optimise water usage and reduce

waste in terms of method of irrigation?

Major

4.4.3 How water harvesting and water conservation methods are followed,

wherever possible

Minor

4.4.4 Is the quality of water considered in the light of prevailing soil

conditions and soil and water analysis taken into account for this

purpose.

Major

4.4.5 How soils having the problem of drainage are dealt with in specific

manner so as to provide outlet for excess water?

Major

4.5 Weeding and intercultural operations

4.5.1 How initial flush of weeds are controlled effectively to ensure a weed

free environment to young plants?.

Major

4.5.2 Is the prescribed schedule of all inter-cultural operations such as

weeding, hoeing, topping, nipping of buds, pruning, shading and

Major

20

earthing up etc. adhered to in a manner to optimize overall

productivity.

4.5.3 Are use of herbicides avoided as far as possible? In case of their

inevitable usage, are available evidence of safety to the target crop

considered adequately?

Major

4.6 Crop protection

4.6.1 Is there a comprehensive preventive and control measures enumerated

in the agronomic protocol used for pest management to minimize loss

of the final crop and its quality.

Major

4.6.2 Is crop protection plans limited to the use of bio-control agents and

bio-pesticides?

Major

4.6.3 Integrated Pest Management protocols shall be in place in absence of

the protocols at 4.6.1 and 4.6.2.

Critical

4.6.4 How under compulsive circumstances care is taken to use smallest

effective dosage of pesticides on the basis of crop protection protocols

prescribed for the target species

Major

4.6.5 When chemical pesticides are used for crop protection, is residue

analysis of final product carried out through appropriate testing agencies following standard procedures?

Critical

5 HARVEST AND POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT

5.1 Harvesting

5.1.1 How the harvesting season is determined and followed on the basis of

qualitative parameters set for the end product of the constituents rather

than the total vegetative yield?

Major

5.1.2 How are cutting devices employed for harvesting selected to minimize

the contamination by soil particles? How while harvesting, care is

taken to avoid incidental and concurrent harvest of weeds?

Major

5.1.3 How are the containers used for harvested materials kept clean? How

care is taken to ensure freedom from the risks of cross contamination

by other species, weeds and such other extraneous matter?

Major

5.2 Primary processing

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5.2.1 Are the washing and cleaning methods for freshly harvested materials

laid down in consideration of the target plant material?

Major

5.2.2 Is the freshly harvested produce not be stored as such and the drying

process initiated in a continuum? How is the length of storage

minimized and handled in a manner to prevent degradation or rotting?

Major

5.2.3 How processing area or sites are kept clean, well ventilated, and have

the facilities for protection against sunlight, dust, rain, rodents, insects and livestock?.

Major

5.2.4 Are the drying procedure and the temperature employed for this

purpose in conformity with the quality needs of the farm produce?

Critical

5.2.5 Whether sorting procedure is carried out after completion of drying

phase and before the material is packed?

Major

5.3 Packaging, storage and transportation

5.3.1 Is the selection of packaging material based on the quality

requirements and possible length of storage before

consumption/processing and kept clean, dry and undamaged?

Major

5.3.2 While packaging, are mechanical damages and undue compacting of

the dried plant material that may result in undesirable quality changes avoided? Is care taken to avoid overfilling of the containers?

Major

5.3.3 Is the storage area kept dry and protected from insects and rodents and

such other factors that may be detrimental to the quality of the

product?.

Major

5.3.4 Are different varieties stored separately to avoid varietal mixing? Major

5.3.5 When multiple commodities/varieties are handled in the same storage

area, is care exercised to prevent product mix up and cross

contamination.

Minor

6 IDENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY

6.1 Identification

6.1.1 Are produce legibly labeled inscribing on every pack with the product

name, month and year of harvest and the name of farmer/farming

agency? If the material was tested before, an appropriate label may be

Major

22

used indicating quality approval

6.2 Traceability

6.2.1 Is registered product traceable back to and trackable from the

registered farm (and other relevant registered areas) where it has been

grown?

Critical

7 PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT

7.1 Key resource persons engaged at the site (such as farm owner/

supervisor) must be conversant with all aspects related to the target crop such as, quality requirements of the end product, crop husbandry

etc.

Major

7.2 The personnel should have basic exposure to subject matters like

safety and hygiene

Major

7.3 The machinery used in fertilizer and pesticide application must be

calibrated at prescribed schedules and calibration certificates / records

should be maintained.

Major

7.4 Equipments must be clean and mounted where applicable, in an easily

accessible manner. Scheduled servicing procedures must be adhered to keep them in working order

Major

7.5 Additional care should be taken for cleaning those machine parts that

get into direct contact with the harvested produce

Major

7.6 The material used for the equipment, particularly that coming into

direct contact, should be safe. Equipments that pose a risk of

hazardous metallic contamination of the harvested crop should be

avoided

Critical

8 WORKERS HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE

8.1 Risk Assessments

8.1.1 Does the farm have a written risk assessment for safe and healthy

working conditions?

Major

8.1.2 Does the farm have a written health, safety and hygiene policy and

procedures?

Major

23

8.2 Training

8.2.1 Do all workers handling and/or administering plant chemicals,

disinfectants, plant protection products, biocides or other hazardous

substances and all workers operating dangerous or complex equipment

have certificates of competence, and/or details of other such qualifications?

Major

8.2.2 Have all workers received adequate health and safety training and are

they instructed according to the risk assessment?

Major

8.2.3 Is there always an appropriate number of persons (at least one person)

trained in first aid present on each farm whenever on-farm activities

are being carried out?

Major

8.3 Hazards and First Aid

8.3.1 Do accident and emergency procedures exist; are they visually

displayed and communicated to all persons associated with the farm

activities?

Major

8.3.2 Are potential hazards clearly identified by warning signs and placed

where appropriate?

Minor

8.4 Protective Clothing/Equipment

Are workers (including subcontractors) equipped with suitable

protective clothing in accordance with legal requirements and/or label

instructions or as authorized by a competent authority?

Major

9 RECORD KEEPING AND INTERNAL SELF-ASSESSMENT/

INTERNAL INSPECTION

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9.1 Are all records requested during the external inspection accessible and

kept for a minimum period of time of two years, unless a longer

requirement is stated in specific control points?

Major

9.2 Does the producer take responsibility to undertake a minimum of one

internal self-assessment per year against the requirements of this

standard?

Major

9.3 Are effective corrective actions taken as a result of non-conformances

detected during the internal self-assessment ?

Major

10 WASTE AND POLLUTION MANAGEMENT, RECYCLING AND RE-

USE

10.1 Have all possible waste products and sources of pollution been identified in all areas?

Major

10.2 Is there a farm waste management plan to avoid or reduce wastage and pollution by waste recycling? Are organic wastes composted on the farm and utilised as manure?

Minor

10.3 Are the farm and premises clear of litter and waste to avoid establishing a breeding ground for pests and diseases which could result in a food safety risk?

Major

10.4 Do the premises have adequate provisions for waste disposal? Minor

11 ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

11.1 Does each farmer have a management of wildlife and conservation plan that acknowledges the impact of farming activities on the environment?

Minor

11.2 Has the farmer considered how to enhance the environment for the benefit of the local community and flora and fauna?

Minor

11.3 Does the plan include action to avoid damage and deterioration of habitats on the farm?

Minor

11.4 Does the plan include activities to enhance habitats and increase biodiversity Minor

25

on the farm?

12. COMPLAINTS

12.1 Is there a complaint procedure available relating to issues covered by the standard?

Major

12.2 Does the complaints procedure ensure that complaints are adequately recorded, studied and followed up including a record of actions taken?

Major

26

Annex A

TERMINOLOGY

1. Annual crop : When the time period between end of propagation stage to first harvest date is less than 12 months.

2. Certification : All those actions leading to the issuing of an INDGAP certificate.

3. Crop : The plants, which produce the produce.

4. Crop rotation : The practice of growing different crops in recurring succession on the same land. It also includes crops on certain plot

are following other crops according to pre-defined plan.

5. Crop year : Generally, the 12 month period from the beginning of harvest of a particular crop rotation.

6. Certification Body : An organization that has been approved to grant INDGAP certificate under the Scheme

7. Customer : A customer is anyone who purchases products or services from a supplier.

8. Environment : Water, air, land, wild species of fauna & flora and any inter relationship between them, as well as relationship with

living organisms.

9. Farm : A farm is an agricultural production unit or group of agricultural production units; covered by same operational procedures,

farm management and INDGAP decision-making activities.

10. Food safety : An assurance that food will not cause harm to the consumer when it is prepared and consumed according to its intended

use.

11. Harvesting containers : Containers used for transporting produce during harvest.

12. Hazard: A biological, chemical, physical or any other property that may cause a product to be unsafe for human consumption.

27

13. Irrigation: The application of water to soil to nassist in the production of crops especially during stress period.

14. Irrigation water: Water which is artificially applied in the process of irrigation. It does not include precipitation.\

15. Inter crop: The crops raised in an orchard or other widely spaced crops for increasing income from the same piece of land e.g short

duration vegetables, pulses, oilseeds etc.

16. Inter cropping: Refers to growing of two or more generally dissimilar crops simultaneously on the same piece of land, base crop

necessarily in distinct row arrangement. The recommended optimum plant population of the base crop is suitably combined with

appropriate additional plant density of the associated crop, and there is crop intensification in both time and space dimensions.

17. Integrated pest management: In agriculture, integrated pest management (IPM) is a pest control strategy that uses a variety of

complementary strategies including mechanical devices, physical devices, genetic, biological, cultural management, and chemical

management. IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical tools in a

way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks.

18. Individual grower : An organization or person legally responsible for on farm production, who retains ownership of all the produce

covered in this INDGAP certificate.

19. In-organic Fertilizer : Commercial chemical fertilizer.

20. Inspection : An examination of systems for control of food, raw materials, processing and distribution including in process and

finished product testing in order to verify compliance to requirements.

21. Pesticide : Plant protection product.

22. Ploughing: Operations carried out with the help of tractor drawn or bullock drawn implements known as plough, before the crops are

sown.

23. Pollution: Contamination of natural environment by the addition to air or water of substances potentially toxic or otherwise harmful to

man and animals for example, SO2, CO2, radio-active fall out insecticides etc.

28

24. Post – harvest chemicals : Includes post-harvest plant protection products, detergents, and lubricants.

25. Potable water : Water which needs the quality standards of drinking water such as those described in the WHO published guidelines

for the safe use of waste water and excreta in agriculture and aquaculture.

26. Primary produce : Produce at a stage before processing.

27. Processed product : When the structure of the product is altered in appearance or form.

28. Produce : The harvested product of the crop before it is sold.

29. Product : The produce sold to the customers.

30. Record : Document showing objective evidence of the tasks performed and results achieved.

31. Registered product crop : The crop that produces the product that has been registered by the grower with the certification body under

INDGAP.

32. Registered product produce : the produce that is the result of the registered product crop.

33. Registration Number : The number given to grower or grower group when he has completed the registration.

34. Rouging : To remove weeds or off-type or diseased plants from a standing field crop.

35. Seeding : The juvenile stage of a plant grown from seed. Usually indicates plants which have up to and including about 4 true leaves.

36. Tillage : The use of implements for mechanical manipulation to prepare seed beds conducive for field crop production

37. Trace-back : The ability to trace the history, use or location of a product (i.e., the origin of materials and parts, processes applied to

the product, or its distribution and placement after delivery) by means of a record.

38. Worker : Any person on the farm that has been contracted to carry out a task. This includes farm owners and managers.